Chapter 505
Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)
Aliviaâs heart sneered beneath a facade of repentance, her strategy as cunning as ever. By painting herself as a hopeless admirer brought low, she diluted the severity of her mistakes.
It was all because she liked him so much that she erred. It was only out of concern that she mightâve fallen for the wrong guy that she went to extremes.
She was ready to apologize, to make amends. Now, she was even trying to let him go and give it a shot with Jaired. After all she had done, what more could he ask for?
Even Max had nothing to say at this point.
Last nightâs vengeance had been dealt, the necessary words spoken. Now, faced with Aliviaâs earnest apology, if he were to remain stoneâfaced, heâd come off as the aggressor.
A woman who erred from loving him too much, who had resolved to move on, deserved to have bygones be bygones.
Alivia had predicted this outcome, so when Max remained silent, she pressed on. âAbout that rosary, mine really did go missing. When I saw Brielle wearing one on her wrist, and considering I never liked her, I jumped to conclusions. I can apologize to her for that, too.â
Alivia produced a tastefully wrapped box from her purse and extended it towards him. âLast night, my brother gave me a talkingâto and set me straight this morning. I wanted to meet Brielle in person to apologize, but she probably doesnât want to see me right now. Please, give her this gift for me. Max, I donât want Jaired to hear about any of this. I waited for you for years, and heâs waited for me just as long. So, after Iâve apologized to Brielle in person, can we pretend this never happened? Jairedâs always been good to me; I donât want him to find out and lose face.â
Max didnât reach for the gift box. Instead, he lifted a hand to massage his temple, his head throbbing occasionally. His voice softened. âNo need for gifts. If youâre willing to give it a go. with Jaired, then do it right.â
A smile flickered on Aliviaâs face as she dabbed at her reddened eyes âLast night was truly embarrassing, the most embarrassing night of my life. Thankfully, my brother woke me up. Iâve let go of you now, and I hope our future encounters wonât be awkward. Jaired and I will attend the party tomorrow night. My brother said weâre treating it as a welcomeâback party for Jaired.
Iâm telling you in advance so you and Brielle donât feel obliged.â
With the conversation steering towards Jairedâs welcome back party, how could Max not attend?
Besides, he had already agreed to go with Brielle.
He stood up, his tone indifferent. âI havenât seen Jaired in a while, and Andrew and your brother are probably missing him too. Iâll be there with Brielle.â
Alivia sighed with relief. âGreat, Iâll let him know. Itâs also the perfect chance to show him youâre 13-01 taken.â
Her words were watertight, leaving Max with no retort. Just then, his phone rang. It was Brielle. He stepped out into the corridor to take the call.
Alivia sat, watching his departing figure, a cold sneer crossing her features. This was her plan. and it was working.
And her declaration to try things with Jaired was genuine. Jaired indulged her, willing to engage in her schemes. Once Jaired arrived in Beaconsfield, the real show would begin.
She would never forget last nightâs humiliation; it was etched into her very bones. And if she ever had to confront Brielle again, she would ensure it was a fatal blow.
Fortunately, this episode was behind her.
She breathed a sigh of relief, and then her gaze fell on Martha, venom flashing in her eyes. If she couldnât have what she wanted, neither would Brielle. If it came down to it, sheâd use Martha to drive a wedge between them.
They would never have peace.
Never!